Hello Friends and Family,
I want to give an update on what I understand is happening at Koza and ask for your continued prayers. First of all, we continue to search for jobs for Audrey and I in the NW. We have had a number of options, and as of yet have not been able to finalize things. We are praying for God’s continued leading in our lives, that we know where He wants us to be. Our daughter is doing well in school and we look forward to seeing her more often.
I have talked to Yves Kemdje, the administrator of Koza Hospital and I hear the need for a physician still continues. Before we left we saw three cases of Cholera at the hospital, as the rainy season started. I hear that they have treated more than 220 cases of Cholera. They have had about 6 deaths, which is very good under the circumstances. The nurses continue to treat malaria, pneumonia, typhoid, meningitis, dysentery and other types of infectious disease. The hospital census continues to be 25-35 on average. When we went to Cameroon the hospital was 4-6 months behind on salaries because of the absence of a physician. Currently the hospital continues to be able to pay the salaries each month. But a physician is NECESSARY! If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering or working on a permanent basis in Koza, please talk to me, to Adventist Health International, or the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists.
There are two student missionaries in Koza this year. They are from universities in the US that have chosen to take a year out of schooling to serve overseas. One of them keeps up a blog about her thoughts, and feelings, and occurrences at the Koza Hospital. I will start forwarding these on to you all, so that you can know first hand what is happening there. I have included one below. Please pray for Koza and the continued need for a physician there. Sincerely, Greg Shank
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Up and Down Feelings
In the last couple of days, i have received much word about the happenings in Cameroon as well as information about what to bring to protect myself from disease, mostly Malaria. The most recent news is that i’m going to get Malaria no matter what i try to do to protect myself… I will never be able to give blood if that happens (I’m really into that). Its been a crazy couple of days for me and my feelings. One moment i’m stoked, the next i’m terrified… I am afraid of the unknown, but excited for the experience. There is no doctor there, and recently i’ve been reading the doctors blogs. How am i going to survive? Is there going to be help? i can’t be a doctor! I had two very wonderful people come by my house yesterday with encouragement i don’t even think they know they gave me. The first woman that stopped by was Christie. I was busy for a little bit, but came over to sit down and talk to her for awhile. She had given my mom an envelope, and began to tell me that she collects antiques. For her birthday, she wanted to get this beautiful antique barbie that was made the year she was born. She decided that the money would be better used for my trip and wanted to help me with the money. I was shocked and stunned… $100. Praise God for humble people:) Juanne came by later in the day and i was astonished to see the things she blessed me with. She had come over and and brought medical books, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, blood pressure cuffs, and more! The book that answered my prayers was a book called “Where There is No Doctor a village health care handbook”. Just hours before she stopped by i was overwhelmed with the responsibility of being some kind of superhero. The only superhero is the Lord himself and no matter what happens, HE WILL PROVIDE. He has been amazing me with His faithfulness through people, providence, and words of comfort! “…If you have a deep personal faith in God you’ll be able to say to any mountain of difficulty, ‘Out of my way!’ and God will help move it. You can do anything for Him when your faith is in Him” Matt 17:20
Posted by Elissa